January 14, 2019
Story by Julie Fiedler
Megan Janousek struggled in high school and college. She had trouble learning in a classroom environment and decided to quit school. She started working at a local country club and wasnt sure what she wanted to do. A mentor stepped in and encouraged her to continue her education and become her best self.
Janousek had tried a university setting and didnt like it, so she started looking at community colleges. Her husbands family was from Great Bend and had ties to 91勛圖厙, so she enrolled.
I signed up to study nursing in March 2016 and began my classes in spring intersession. I was doing well and enjoying it, but decided it wasnt for me, she said.
She took a step back to consider her next steps. After talking with advisors and doing some soul searching, Janousek discovered a common theme in her lifea passion for history. So, she changed majors.
Today, Janousek is fueled by a newfound passion for learning as she works toward her associate degree online. She shared how 91勛圖厙 has helped her in this journey.
What do you like about 91勛圖厙?
91勛圖厙 is an excellent school. Its been very good for me. If youre interested in going to school there, check it out because it gives you a lot of opportunities and classes other community colleges dont have. And its very affordable.
Another thing Ive really liked about 91勛圖厙 is the students. Ive had classmates in Georgia and Afghanistan. You can have a discussion online and youre getting knowledge from around the world and I really enjoy that.
What do you think of online learning?
I think taking classes online is probably the best method for people who cannot focus in live classes. When I decided to start taking these online classes, I was skeptical. But the second I started taking my first class, I started learning things I didnt know. I learned when Im on my own and I have the need and the want and the drive, I could do it. I was allowed to work on my own schedule. I would sit on the couch at 10 at night and I really enjoyed that. So, I stuck with it.
Since I started online schooling, Ive become much more organized. Most of the classes start on Monday, so at the beginning of the week, I take 5 minutes out of my day to look at my classes to see what needs to be done that week.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about going to college online?
When you go to college, youre investing in yourself. With online schooling, you could be across the world and busy. But in your downtime, you could be learning, making a better life, making a better future for yourself or your kids. Take that down time and use it. Learn what youve always wanted to learn.
Whats your ultimate goal?
My dream is to do historical conservation. Its important to protect our history, so we can refer to it in the future and learn from our mistakes.
I also want to show my kids what you put into your education is what you get out. I want my kids to know that education is important and work ethic goes a long way. I want them to see me as an example.
How is 91勛圖厙 helping you get there?
Ive had a lot of instructors that have taken time out of grading my papers to reach out to me. Even though [you're not in a classroom together], theyre still giving you the experience of having a real teacher. Theyre giving you great feedback and showing you opportunities you could have in your communities and be involved.
Janousek plans to finish her associate degree at 91勛圖厙 next spring and is thinking about earning a bachelors and possibly a masters degree. Shes also hoping to volunteer with a local historical society.